Dallan’s Mamore cottage snap wows TV3

The photograph of Mamore Cottage, which one the TV3 competition.

Laura Glenn

A Buncrana photographer has beaten off thousands of hopefuls from across the country to win a national photography competition.

Dallan Doherty’s snap of one of the Mamore Cottages was chosen as the winner in the final of TV show Ireland AM’s monthly competition.

The father-of-five travelled to Dublin for his appearance on the show on Wednesday. His “serene” photograph of the cottage was deemed a worthy winner by professional photographer and presenter Jenny McCarthy.

Martin, who began photography a mere two years ago, said he was “absolutely thrilled” with his success.

The theme of the competition was ‘spring’ and Dallan’s photograph captured the cottage with daffodils growing by the wall, near a yellow door.

He said: “I really didn’t think I would reach the final. But, on Monday, I got a call from TV3 inviting me to Dublin. We had to leave Buncrana at 4am in the morning, but it was worth it. It was a great experience.”

Dallan doesn’t know who owns the thatched cottage and is keen to find out.

“They’re absolutely beautiful and always kept so well,” he said.

This week’s win is Dallan’s fifth in a short period of time. One of his images was also recently used on the front cover of a travel book.

He said he is “honoured” by these awards, as he is “passionate about photography.”

The winning prize in the TV3 competition was a Canon 1200D camera and training.

Each finalist was also given a block mounted, framed print of their photo.

Dallan intends to donate this to Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin, which he has a connection to.

He said: “A couple of my boys had to attend Crumlin in the past. I always said I’d do something for them. When I went to Dublin on Wednesday, I parked near Crumlin and got a coffee in the hospital. While there, I saw a father with a sick little boy and he reminded me on myself. So, I decided to donate this print to the hospital. Hopefully, it will do some good.”

Dallan is also delighted that his photograph “highlights the beauty of the rural parts of inishowen and Donegal.”

“I had a wonderful morning at TV3 and it was a great experience overall,” he said.